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BAFTA and Burberry Celebrate ‘Breakthrough Brits’ - The UK’s Future Stars of Film, Television and Games

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21 October 2013

BAFTA/ Jamie Simonds

The talented newcomers enjoyed inspirational sessions with industry powerhouses at BAFTA, before attending an evening reception at Burberry.

London, 21 October: Today BAFTA brought together the 17 ‘Breakthrough Brits’ for a day of mentoring by leading industry figures at BAFTA’s headquarters, 195 Piccadilly in London, followed by an evening reception in their honour at the Burberry global flagship store, 121 Regent Street.

The first ever BAFTA Breakthrough Brits, in partnership with Burberry, were chosen by a jury of industry experts after an open call for the UK’s future stars of film, television and games. The successful talented individuals, including the stars of shows such as My Mad Fat Diary and Youngers, as well as the writer of In the Flesh, were announced last month as: actors Paul Brannigan, James Floyd, Tom Holland, Ade Oyefeso, Chloe Pirrie, and Sharon Rooney; writers/directors Rowan Athale and Zam Salim; writer Dominic Mitchell; game developers Oliver Clarke, Mitu Khandaker and Dan Pearce; game designers Rex Crowle and Sophia George; broadcaster Arthur Williams; and producers Ed Barratt and Nisha Parti.

These talented newcomers spent the day meeting experts from the film, television and games industries at BAFTA. The keynote speech was delivered by Working Title Films co-founder and BAFTA Award-winning producer Tim Bevan, who discussed the history and growth of Working Title Films, and some of their experiences along the way.

Other influential industry figures, many of whom are past BAFTA winners, shared their expert advice during the day, and included: film producers Barbara Broccoli (the James Bond franchise) and Duncan Kenworthy (Four Weddings and a Funeral, Notting Hill); agent Jenne Casarotto; game developer Georg Backer from Hotsauce Interactive; creator of the SingStar games Paulina Bozek; Director of BBC Academy, and BAFTA Deputy Chair Anne Morrison; actor Daniel Kaluuya (Skins, Black Mirror) and screenwriter Abi Morgan (The Iron Lady, The Hour).

The evening reception at the Burberry flagship store was attended by industry figures including: Josh Berger, President & MD, Warner Bros. UK, Ireland & Spain; Sophie Turner Laing, MD of Entertainment, News and Broadcast Operations at Sky; and producers David Parfitt (Shakespeare in Love, Parade’s End) and Rebecca O’Brien (The Angel’s Share, My Name Is Joe); as well as actors Joseph Mawle (Birdsong, Game of Thrones) and Nathan Stewart-Jarrett (Misfits, Utopia), British musician Tinie Tempah, SB.TV Founder Jamal Edwards, and actor/director Dexter Fletcher (Wild Bill, Sunshine on Leith). Work from the ‘Breakthrough Brits’ was showcased during the event.

Amanda Berry, Chief Executive Officer at BAFTA, said: “We are thrilled to celebrate our inaugural Breakthrough Brits: 17 talented people who show immense promise. We have received the most incredible support from Burberry, who share our dreams and aspirations for this initiative, as well as established industry professionals who have provided inspiration and guidance to our Breakthrough Brits.”

Christopher Bailey, Burberry Chief Creative Officer, said: "We have a unique energy and the most inspiring creative spirit in Britain, so to be able to support BAFTA in celebrating our new generation of emerging talent, at the beginning of their journey, is a real privilege. The idea of recognising and nurturing creative confidence is very close to our hearts. With Breakthrough Brits, BAFTA have created a platform that shines a light on and importantly, supports, some of the amazing breadth of talent that we are so proud of in this country. Congratulations to all 2013 Breakthrough Brits – we can’t wait to see what they do next.”

BAFTA Breakthrough Brits, in partnership with Burberry, is a new initiative to celebrate and support the UK’s future stars of film, television and games. As well as today’s programme of events, those selected will also receive a year of free access to BAFTA events as well as further mentoring and guidance sessions as they move into the next stage of their careers. A special publication featuring the ‘Breakthrough Brits’ will be distributed to industry and to career-starters across the country.

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About BAFTA

The British Academy of Film and Television Arts is an independent charity that supports, develops and promotes the art forms of the moving image by identifying and rewarding excellence, inspiring practitioners and benefiting the public. In addition to its Awards ceremonies, BAFTA has a year-round Learning & Events programme that offers unique access to some of the world’s most inspiring talent through workshops, masterclasses, lectures and mentoring schemes, connecting with audiences of all ages and backgrounds across the UK, Los Angeles and New York. BAFTA relies on income from membership subscriptions, individual donations, trusts, foundations and corporate partnerships to support its ongoing outreach work. For further information, visit www.bafta.org, and to access the best creative minds in film, TV and games production visit www.bafta.org/guru.

About Burberry

Burberry, established in 1856, is an iconic British brand synonymous with innovation and craftsmanship. Based in London under the direction of Chief Creative Officer, Christopher Bailey, the brand has a global reputation for pioneering design and fabrics. By exploring unique brand innovations such as Burberry Acoustic, Art of the Trench and fully immersive runway shows, Burberry continues to connect heritage with cutting-edge technology and digital media. It is listed on the London Stock Exchange (BRBY.L) and is a constituent of the FTSE 100 index.